test-taking tips

Whether your child is in junior high or high school, when it comes to tests, you want to make sure that test scores reflect his or her true abilities.

As a parent, you should be proactive. There are steps you can take to help your child succeed — no matter what his or her age. In fact, ACT has the same message for everyone: encourage your child to take the toughest classes offered and to work hard. For more information, check out The Benefits of a High School Core Curriculum (PDF, 14 pages).

The ACT tests ideas and subjects that have been taught in the classroom, so most students will find the questions familiar. To best prepare your student for both college and career, here's what you can do:

Reinforce that it's critical to pursue a core curriculum in high school: four years of English, at least three years of mathematics, three years of science, and three years of social studies.

Read to young children as much as possible. Encourage your student to continue reading.

Finally, remember that colleges look for more than a score. They want applicants who have talents and passions and who work hard. Grades, volunteering, personal essays, and extracurricular activities are important components of the college application process. Colleges want diversity in their student body — diversity of ideas, backgrounds, regions, and experiences.